Real Madrid sign Gareth Bale for record USD 132 million

Tottenham Hotspur winger Gareth Bale joined Real Madrid for a record USD 132 million while Lionel Messi showed the talent he will be up against in La Liga when the Argentine hit a hat-trick in Barcelona's 3-2 win over Valencia.

Barcelona and Real are among four teams with a perfect record in Spain while it is even more tight in Serie A, with five clubs sharing top honours, including champions Juventus.

In the Premier League, it was not a good weekend for champions Manchester United or a Spurs team without Bale. Both lost 1-0 to Liverpool and Arsenal respectively.

Liverpool and Arsenal scored 1-0 wins over bitter rivals Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur respectively in the Premier League on Sunday.

Arsenal prevailed over big-spending north London rivals Spurs shortly before Bale's move to Real Madrid for 100 million euros (USD 131.86 million) was confirmed.

Olivier Giroud netted for the Gunners, and like Sturridge has scored three goals in three appearances this season.

Chelsea, who lost the Super Cup to Bayern Munich on Friday, lie second, two points behind Liverpool, while Manchester City, 2-0 winners over Hull City on Saturday, Arsenal, Stoke and Spurs lie on six points. Champions United have four.